Free turkeys to be given away in Merced, Los Banos

Volunteers Andy Krotik and Ed Walters unpack turkeys as local real estate developer Greg Hostetler donates 300 turkeys and 300 bags of almonds to needy residents Tuesday afternoon (11-26-13) in south Merced. Bea Ahbeck Casson Sun-Star file

Free turkeys will be distributed to less fortunate families at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced, and 2 p.m. Monday at the Los Banos Fairgrounds, 403 F St. in Los Banos.

Hostetler Ranches will distribute 500 turkeys and 500 bags of almonds at both sites, with a limit of one per household.

Greg Hostetler, owner of Hostetler Ranches, has been organizing the giveaways for more than 30 years, he said. The events are in memory of his wife, who died four years ago. Hostetler has previously said it was her wish to carry on the tradition to help others.

For more information, email HostetlerTurkeys@gmail.com.

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Free turkeys to be given away in Merced, Los Banos."

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